Personal care compositions

ABSTRACT

There are described personal care compositions containing a) one or more dibenzoylmethane sunscreening agents; and b) a photostablising amount of a salicylate ester of formula (1): (2-OH)Ph-(CO)—O—R, wherein R represents an alkyl group consisting of a chain of from 7 to 16 carbon atoms substituted by at least one group selected from methyl and ethyl. The compound of formula (1) is preferably isodecyl salicylate or isotridecyl salicylate. The salicylate esters of formula (1) have a stabilizing effect on the compositions. The salicylate esters prevent or inhibit degradation of the sunscreening agents which would otherwise lead to a reduction in the efficacy of the sunscreening agents and an increase in the deleterious effects of exposure to sunlight on the user of the compositions or on the compositions themselves.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a 35 USC § 371 National Phase Entry Application fromPCT/GB02/03490, filed Jul. 31, 2002, and designating the U.S.

The present invention relates to personal care compositions containingsunscreening compounds to counteract the deleterious effects of UVradiation. In one aspect of the present invention the personal carecompositions are sunscreen compositions in which a sunscreening compoundis used to protect the user's skin or hair from UV radiation. The term“sunscreen composition” is used herein to encompass sunscreeningcompositions such as moisturisers, day creams, colour cosmeticsincluding foundations, lipsticks, eye shadows, blushers etc, tanninglotions and sunblockers, and toiletry products such as shower gels,shampoos and conditioners, which are intended for topical application toprovide protection for the skin or hair against the sun's rays or othersources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Such sunscreen compositions maycontain additional inorganic or organic sunscreening agents. In afurther aspect of the present invention the personal care compositionsare cosmetic/toiletries compositions containing a sunscreening compoundto protect the compositions from the deleterious effects of exposure ofthe compositions to UV radiation. The term “cosmetic/toiletriescomposition” is used herein to encompass compositions intended forapplication to the skin or hair in which the sunscreen compounds arepresent to protect the compositions from the deleterious effects ofexposure of the composition to UV radiation. Examples ofcosmetic/toiletries composition include gels such as bath gels or showergels, shampoos optionally containing conditioning agents and/orantidandruff agents, hair conditioners, liquid soaps, creams andlotions. Such compositions may be emulsions (oil-in-water emulsions orwater-in-oil emulsions).

A commonly used group of sunscreening compounds are thedibenzoylmethanes, particularly4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4′-methoxydibenzoyl methane (availablecommercially under the trade name PARSOL 1789) and4-isopropyldibenzoylmethane (available commercially under the trade nameEUSOLEX 8020). It is well known to those skilled in the art thatdibenzoylmethanes whether used on their own or in combination with othersunscreening agents tend to photodegrade when exposed to UV radiation.This degradation reduces the efficacy of the sunscreening compound. Theprotection from the deleterious effects of exposure to sunlight beingenjoyed by the user who has applied a sunscreening composition to theirskin or hair is thereby reduced. The protection for compositions whichcontain sunscreening agents to protect the compositions against thedeleterious effects of exposure to UV radiation is also reduced.

The present invention provides personal care compositions containing

-   a) one or more dibenzoylmethane sunscreening agents; and-   b) a photostabilising amount of a salicylate ester of formula I    (2-OH)Ph-(CO)—O—R  I    wherein R represents an alkyl group consisting of a chain of from 7    to 16 carbon atoms substituted by at least one group selected from    methyl and ethyl.

The group R may be represented by the generic structure Ia:—C_(n-1)H_(2n-2-m)(Sub)_(m)-CH₃wherein n represents an integer from 7 to 16, m is 1 or more, and eachgroup Sub independently represents a methyl or an ethyl group.

Preferably, m is an integer of between 1 and 4.

Where m is greater than 1, ie when there is more than one methyl and/orethyl substituent on the alkyl chain, those methyl and/or ethyl groupsmay be attached to the same or different carbon atoms of the alkylchain.

Where m is greater than 1, it is preferred that all the Sub groups inthe molecule of formula I are the same, ie the Sub groups are either allmethyl groups or all ethyl groups.

We particularly prefer compounds of formula I in which Sub representsmethyl and m is from 1 to 4, particularly 3.

We particularly prefer compounds of formula I in which Sub representsethyl and m is from 1 to 4, particularly 1.

Another preferred group of compounds are those in which n represents 7to 12, particularly 7 to 10.

The group R preferably contains between 8 and 16 carbon atoms in total,more preferably between 9 and 14 carbon atoms, eg 10 or 13 carbon atoms.

Particular compounds of formula I that may be mentioned are isodecylsalicylate, in which R represents a 7-carbon chain substituted by 3methyl groups, and isotridecyl salicylate, in which R represents an11-carbon chain substituted by an ethyl group.

Compounds of formula I may all be used in the form of mixtures. Also,the compounds of formula I may be present in two or more isomeric forms.Thus, for instance, isodecyl salicylate may comprise molecules in whichthe three methyl groups are present at various positions on the alkylchain. In such cases, a single molecular species may predominate, or twoor more species may both be present in substantial proportions.

As used herein, the terms “dibenzoylmethane” and “dibenzoylmethanesunscreening agent” are used generically to encompass any and allsunscreening agent(s) present in the composition that have adibenzoylmethane grouping in their structure, irrespective of the natureof any substituents on that grouping. Examples of dibenzoylmethanesunscreening agents are 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4′-methoxydibenzoylmethane (also known as butylmethoxy dibenzoylmethane) and4-isopropyidibenzoylmethane. A particularly preferred dibenzoylmethanesunscreening agent is 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4′-methoxydibenzoyl methane.

In addition to the dibenzoylmethane sunscreening agent(s), thecompositions according to the invention may optionally includeadditional sunscreening agents.

The personal care compositions of the present invention may contain atotal 0.05 to 20% of sunscreening agent(s) by weight of the totalcomposition. In compositions intended to be applied to the skin or hairto protect the skin or hair from the deleterious effects of exposure toUV radiation, the total amount of sunscreening agent(s) that may bepresent is preferably in the range 0.5 to 10%, more preferably 1 to 6%.In compositions in which the sunscreening agent(s) are present toprotect the compositions from the deleterious effects of exposure to UVradiation, the total amount of sunscreening agent(s) that may be presentis preferably less than 1% by weight of the total composition, morepreferably 0.05 to 0.6%, most preferably 0.3 to 0.5%.

The personal care compositions of the present invention may contain atotal of 0.05 to 10% of dibenzoylmethane by weight of the totalcomposition. In compositions intended to be applied to the skin or hairto protect the skin or hair from the deleterious effects of exposure toUV radiation, the amount of dibenzoylmethane that may be present ispreferably in the range 0.5 to 10%, more preferably 1 to 6%. Incompositions in which the dibenzoylmethane is present to protect thecompositions from the deleterious effects of exposure to UV radiation,the amount of dibenzoylmethane that may be present is preferably lessthan 1% by weight of the total composition, more preferably 0.05 to0.6%, most preferably 0.3 to 0.5%.

The personal care compositions of the present invention may contain 0.1to 30% by weight of the salicylate ester of formula I, preferably 1 to25%, more preferably 4 to 20%.

Examples of suitable additional inorganic sunscreening agents include:

-   a) Microfine titanium dioxide;-   b) Microfine zinc oxide; and-   c) Boron nitride.

Examples of suitable additional organic sunscreening agents include:

-   a) p-aminobenzoic acids, esters and derivatives thereof, for    example, 2-ethylhexyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate and the octyl ester of    p-aminobenzoic acid;-   b) methoxycinnamate esters such as 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate,    2-ethoxyethyl p-methoxycinnamate or    α,β-di-(p-methoxycinnamoyl)-α′-(2-ethylhexanoyl)-glycerin;-   c) benzophenones such as oxybenzone;-   d) 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid and disodium phenyl    dibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate and terphthalylidene dicamphor    sulfonic acid;-   e) alkyl-β,β-diphenylacrylates for example alkyl    α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylates such as octocrylene;-   f) triazines such as    2,4,6-trianilino-(p-carbo-2ethylhexyl-1′-oxy)-1,3,5 triazine and    bis-octyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine;-   g) camphor derivatives such as methylbenzylidene camphor;-   h) organic pigment sunscreening agents such as methylene    bis-benzotriazole tetramethyl butylphenol;-   i) silicone derivatives such as drometrizole trisiloxane and    benzylidene malonate polysiloxane;-   k) salicylates such as octyl salicylate.

Any additional sunscreening agent may be present in an amount of 0.1 to10% by weight of the composition.

Example formulations include shampoos containing conditioning agents andpearlescent systems, hair conditioners, serums, creams, and lotions.Such compositions may be emulsions (oil-in-water or water-in-oil).

The personal care compositions of the present invention may be sunscreenproducts such as aqueous or oily solutions or dispersions or emulsionsin the conventional way. The emulsion may be an oil-in-water emulsion ora water-in-oil emulsion.

The oil phase of the water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions of thepresent invention may comprise for example:

-   a) hydrocarbon oils such as paraffin or mineral oils;-   b) waxes such as beeswax or paraffin wax;-   c) natural oils such as sunflower oil, apricot kernel oil, shea    butter or jojoba oil;-   d) silicone oils such as dimethicone, cyclomethicone or    cetyidimethicone;-   e) fatty acid esters such as isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl    myristate or dioctylmaleate;-   f) fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol; or-   g) mixtures thereof, for example, the blend of waxes available    commercially under the trade name Cutina (Henkel).

In preferred water-in-oil compositions of the present invention the oilphase comprises 5 to 40%, more preferably 10 to 30% by weight of thecomposition. In preferred oil-in-water compositions of the presentinvention the oil phase comprises 5 to 30%, more preferably 10 to 20% byweight of the composition.

The emulsifiers used may be any emulsifiers known in the art for use inwater-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions. It has been found thatparticularly effective water-in-oil and oil-in-water sunscreencompositions can be prepared by using an emulsifier or mixture ofemulsifiers selected from known cosmetically acceptable emulsifierswhich include:

-   a) sesquioleates such as sorbitan sesquioleate, available    commercially for example under the trade name Arlacel 83 (ICI), or    polyglyceryl-2-sesquioleate;-   b) ethoxylated esters of derivatives of natural oils such as the    polyethoxylated ester of hydrogenated castor oil available    commercially for example under the trade name Arlacel 989 (ICI);-   c) silicone emulsifiers such as silicone polyols available    commercially for example under the trade name ABIL WS08 (Th.    Goldschmidt AG);-   d) anionic emulsifiers such as fatty acid soaps e.g. potassium    stearate and fatty acid sulphates e.g. sodium cetostearyl sulphate    available commercially under the trade name Dehydag (Henkel);-   e) ethoxylated fatty alcohols, for example the emulsifiers available    commercially under the trade name Brij (ICI);-   f) sorbitan esters, for example the emulsifiers available    commercially under the trade name Span (ICI);-   g) ethoxylated sorbitan esters, for example the emulsifiers    available commercially under the trade name Tween (ICI);-   h) ethoxylated fatty acid esters such as ethoxylated stearates, for    example the emulsifiers available commercially under the trade name    Myrd (ICI);-   i) ethoxylated mono, di-, and triglycerides, for example the    emulsifiers available commercially under the trade name Labrafil    (Alfa Chem.);-   j) non-ionic self-emulsifying waxes, for example the wax available    commercially under the trade name Polawax (Croda);-   k) ethoxylated fatty acids, for example, the emulsifiers available    commercially under the trade name Tefose (Alfa Chem.);-   l) methylglucose esters such as polyglycerol-3 methyl glucose    distearate available commercially under the name Tegocare 450 (    Degussa Goldschmidt); or-   m) mixtures thereof.

The amount of emulsifier present in the emulsion compositions of thepresent invention is preferably in the range 1 to 10%.

The compositions of the present invention may additionally compriseother components which will be well known to those skilled in the art.These include, for example, emollients such as isopropyl myristate ortriglycerides of fatty acids e.g. lauric triglyceride or capric/caprylictriglyceride, such as the triglyceride available commercially under thetrade name Miglyol 810 (Huls UK); moisturisers such as D-panthenol;humectants such as glycerin or 1,3-butylene glycol; antioxidants such asDL-α-tocopherylacetate or butylated hydroxytoluene; emulsion stabilisingsalts such as sodium chloride, sodium citrate or magnesium sulphate;film formers to assist spreading on the surface of the skin such asalkylated polyvinylpyrrolidone, e.g. those available commercially underthe trade name Antaron (GAF); thickeners such as acrylic acid polymers,e.g. those available commercially under the trade name Carbopol (B.F.Goodrich) or modified celluloses, e.g. hydroxyethylcellulose availablecommercially under the trade name Natrosol (Hercules) oralkylgalactomanans available under the trade name N-Hance; preservativessuch as bronopol, sodium dehydroacetate, polyhexamethylenebiguanidehydrochloride, isothiazolone or diazolidinylurea; sequestering agentssuch as EDTA salts; perfumes and colourings.

The personal care compositions of the present invention are advantageousprimarily in that the presence of the salicylate esters of Formula I hasbeen found to have a stabilizing effect on the compositions. Thesalicylate esters prevent or inhibit degradation of the sunscreeningagents which would otherwise lead to a reduction in the efficacy of thesunscreening agents and an increase in the deleterious effects ofexposure to sunlight on the user of the compositions or on thecompositions themselves.

The stability of the compositions according to the invention uponexposure to sunlight or other sources of UV light (photostability) maybe measured by the following method:

Photostability Measurement

A smooth quartz slide (2.5 cm×2.5 cm) was cleaned with denatured alcoholwhich was allowed to evaporate off. The clean slide was then weighed to1 μg accuracy. This slide was then coated with “cling film”, ensuringthat no air bubbles were trapped. A hole (1.5 cm×1.5 cm) was then cut inthe centre of the cling film. The slide was then gently cleansed, usinga tissue with denatured alcohol.

The sample was then applied to one edge of the recess cut in the clingfilm using a positive displacement micropipette. The sample was thendrawn down over the recess, with a clean flat edge of another slide, soas to fill the well with product, producing an even, 20-micron deeplayer (with no air bubbles). The cling film was then removed and theslide reweighed. The sample was then left to dry for 15 minutes.

Using a xenon lamp (which had previously being calibrated against astandard sunlight spectrum as defined by COLIPA), samples on the quartzwere exposed for different time durations (10, 20, 30 and 60 minutes).To calculate the changes in photostability, spectral absorbance valueswere used. Transmission values are measured for the treated anduntreated slides at wavelengths 290 nm to 400 nm at 5 nm increments.Transmission readings are converted to absorbance units. A graph ofwavelength vs absorbance is calculated for each of the time intervalsand the area under the curve is calculated. These values are thenplotted on a graph of cumulative absorbance versus time. The percentagephotostability of the product for up to 60 minutes was calculated usingthe following equation:Percentage photostability=60 min cumulative absorbance/zero cumulativeabsorbance×100

Using the above method, the photostability was measured for a standardsunscreen base (Control) and for two formulations of the same basecontaining 4% isotridecyl salicylate and 4% isodecyl salicylaterespectively. The results are set out in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Additive Additive Sample Trade Name Supplier % PhotostabilityControl — — 72.5 +4% Isotridecyl Cosmocol ESI Pointings 81.0 salicylate+4% Isodecyl Keratoplast Paroxite 81.9 salicylate

The efficacy of the compositions of the invention may be assessed interms of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The SPF is defined as theminimum dose of UV radiation required to show the first signs of burningor reddening of protected skin divided by the minimum dose forunprotected skin. The SPF may thus be measured in vivo by comparativemeasurements on volunteers under standardized conditions, eg the COLIPAindustry-standard method. Another measure of the usefulness of asunscreening product is the spectral width over which it is effective.This may be assessed in terms of industry standards such as the BootsStar Rating System, which is the ratio of the mean absorbance in the UVAregion (around 280-320 nm) to the mean absorbance in the UVB region(320-400 nm). A method for the determination of the star rating of acomposition, which also gives an in vitro indication of the likely SPF,is as follows:

Measurement of Star Rating and in vitro SPF

The method is an in-vitro assay conducted to measure the UVA/UVBabsorbance ratio of a sunscreen product, to determine its star rating.It is based on a published method by Diffey and Robson [“A new substrateto measure sunscreen protection factors throughout the ultravioletspectrum” BL Diffey and J Robson, J Soc Cosmet Chem, 40, 127-133(May/June 1989)]. The UVA/UVB ratio is an indicator of the UVAabsorbance properties of a sunscreen product, relative to UVB absorbanceproperties which enables classification for the star rating system. Thehigher the star rating the greater the ratio of UVA:UVB absorbance, aratio of 0.8 or greater being classified as “4-star”, 0.60 to 0.79 as“3-star”, 0.40 to 0.59 as “2-star” and 0.20 to 0.39 as “1-star”.

An SPF 290S analyser system was calibrated and optimised to ensure themaximum signal over the required 290 to 400 nm wavelength range,according to the operation manual. A blank UV transpore™ surgical tapeis scanned as a reference to determine 100% transmission of UV light(290 nm-400 nm). The sunscreen product is applied at a rate of 2 mg/cm²to transpore tape. The product is applied and is spread evenly over atotal area of 114 cm². The product is then left to dry for 10 minutesprior to scanning. The tape with sunscreen on is then scanned in 12different locations. A scan consists of UV transmission measurementstaken at 5 nm increments from 290 to 400 nm. At least 5 separate scansshould be performed from which a mean star rating and in-vitro SPF canbe calculated.

The invention will be illustrated by the following Examples which aregiven by way of example only. All percentages are by weight of the finalcomposition.

The Examples utilise one or both of the typical salicylates in Table 2:

TABLE 2 Isotridecyl salicylate Isodecyl salicylate

EXAMPLE 1

The following components are used to make a sunscreen composition of thepresent invention.

Ingredient % 1 One or combination of the salicylates in Table 2 10.0 2Diglyceryl esters 5.3 3 Silicone fluid 1000 4.8 4 Microcrystalline wax1.9 5 Ceareth 2 phosphate 1.0 6 Cetyl alcohol 0.48 7 Almond oil 0.48 8Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 2.9 9 Octyl methoxycinnamate 1.9 10Octocrylene 8.00 11 Butylated hydroxytoluene 0.05 12 Acrylates crosspolymer 0.4 11 Tetrapropoxy ethylenediamine 1.1 14 1,3-Butylene glycol4.8 15 Preservative qs 16 Water to 100% Method A Ingredients 1 to 11 aremixed and heated to 65° C. to melt together. B Ingredients 12 to 16 aremixed and heated to 70° C. C Part A is added to part B slowly withstirring. D Homogenise for 20 minutes to give sunscreen compositionshaving an SPF of 25.

EXAMPLE 2

The following components are used to make a sunscreen composition of thepresent invention.

Ingredient % 1 One combination of the salicylates in Table 2 21.0 2Silicone fluid 1000 2.0 3 Microcrystalline wax 1.9 4 Ceteareth 2phosphate 1.0 5 Cetyl Alcohol 0.48 6 Butylmethoxydibenzoyl methane 2.9 7Octyl methoxycinnamate 1.9 8 Octocrylene 8.00 9 Butylated Hydroxytoluene0.048 10 Acrylates cross polymer 0.4 11 Tetrapropoxy ethylenediamine 1.112 1,3-Butylene Glycol 4.8 13 Preservative qs 14 Water to 100 Method AIngredients 1 to 9 are mixed and heated to 65° C. to melt together. BIngredients 10 to 14 are mixed and heated to 70° C. C Part A is added topart B slowly with stirring. D Homogenise for 20 minutes to givesunscreen compositions having an SPF of 25.

EXAMPLE 3

The following components are used to make a sunscreen composition of thepresent invention.

Ingredient % 1 One or combination of the salicylates in Table 2 20 2Silicone Fluid 1000 2.0 3 Microcrystalline Wax 2 4 Ceteareth 2 phosphate1 5 Cetyl Alcohol 0.5 6 Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 3 7 Methylenebis-benzotriazole tetramethyl butylphenol 0.2 8 Octyl methoxy cinnamate2 9 Butylated Hydroxytoluene 0.05 10 Acrylates cross polymer 0.4 11Tetrapropoxy ethylenediamine 1.2 12 1,3-Butylene Glycol 5 13Preservative qs 14 Water to 100 Method A Ingredients 1 to 6, and 8 and 9are mixed and heated to 65° C. to melt together. B Ingredients 7, 10 to14 are mixed and heated to 70° C. C Part A is added to part B slowlywith stirring. D Homogenise for 20 minutes to give sunscreencompositions having an SPF of 25.

EXAMPLE 4

The following components are used to make a sunscreen composition of thepresent invention.

Ingredient % 1 C12-C15 Alcohols Benzoate 4 2 One or combination of thesalicylates in Table 2 4 3 Octyl methoxycinnamate 1 4 Butylmethoxydibenzoyl methane 1.50 5 Silicone Fluid 1000 2 6 Microcrystalline Wax 17 DL-A-Tocopheryl Acetate 0.2 8 PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer 1.75 9Glyceryl-3 Glucose Distearate 2 10 Acrylates/Vinyl Ester Copolymer 0.1511 Triclosan 0.19 12 1,3-Butylene Glycol 5 13 Sequestrene NA4 0.02 14Caustic Potash Soln 45% w/w 0.068 15 Preservative qs 16 Water to 100Method A Ingredients 1 to 9 are mixed and melted together at 65° C. BIngredients 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, are dissolved into 16 and heated to65° C. C Part A is added to part B with stirring and homogenised for 20minutes to give sunscreen compositions having an SPF of 8.

EXAMPLE 5

The following components are used to make a sunscreen composition of thepresent invention.

Ingredient % 1 One or combination of the salicylates in Table 2 15.0 2Octyl methoxycinnamate 3.8 3 Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 3.0 4Silicone Fluid 1000 0.5 5 Microcrystalline Wax 1.5 6 DL-A-TocopherylAcetate 0.2 7 PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer 1.75 8 Triclosan 0.20 9 ButylatedHydroxytoluene BP 0.05 10 Glyceryl-3 Glucose Distearate 2.00 11Acrylates/Vinyl Ester Copolymer 0.14 12 Titanium Dioxide T 805 0.30 13Sequestrene NA4 0.02 14 1,3-Butylene Glycol 5.00 15 Sorbithom TEP 0.5016 Caustic Potash Soln 45% w/w 0.07 17 Preservative qs 18 Water to 100Method A Ingredients 1 to 10 are mixed and melted together at 60° C.Ingredient 12 is then sheared in to the dispersion. B Ingredients 11,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 are mixed and dissolved together and heatedto 65° C. C Part A is added to part B with stirring and homogenised for20 minutes to give sunscreen compositions having an SPF of 15.

EXAMPLE 6 Skin Cream Emulsion Containing Vitamins

Ingredient % w/w 1 Aqua 69.5 2 Butylene glycol 5.0 3 Isotridecylsalicylate 4.0 4 Paraffinum liquidum 4.0 5 Octyl methoxycinnamate 2.0 6Petrolatum 3.0 7 Cetyl Alcohol 2.0 8 Glycerin 2.0 9 Dimethicone 2.0 10Cetearyl alcohol 1.6 11 Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) 1.0 12Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 1.0 13 Hydroxyethylcellulose 0.4 14 PEG-20stearate 0.4 15 Polyacrylamide 0.4 16 Parfum 0.3 17 C13-14 isoparaffin0.2 18 Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E) 0.15 19 Retinyl palmitate (VitaminA) 0.12 20 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.1 21 Citric acid 0.08 22 Laureth-7 0.05523 BHT 0.0024 24 Preservative q.sMethodStage 1

Tetrasodium EDTA and Citric acid were added to the water using a propstirrer. The hydroxyethylcellulose was added and hydrated using ahomogeniser. Butylene glycol and glycerin were then added and the bulkwas heated to 70° C.

Stage 2

The oil phase (ie components 3 to 10, 12, 14 and 17) was mixed andheated to 70° C. to melt the waxes.

Stage 3

Using a homogeniser, the oil phase, including sunscreens, was added tothe aqueous phase and the bulk was mixed until emulsified and stable.The emulsion was then cooled to below 35° C. using stirring.

Stage 4

The remaining raw materials, including the vitamins were added and theproduct was mixed using a prop stirrer until uniform. The product wasmade to weight using purified water.

EXAMPLE 7 Oil-in-Water Emulsion

Ingredient % w/w 1 Aqua to 100 2 Glycerin 5.0 3 One or combination ofthe salicylates in Table 2 10 4 Octyl methoxycinnimate 3 5 Butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane 2 6 Petrolatum 3.0 7 Cetyl alcohol 2.0 8Steareth-2 1.5 9 Glyceryl stearate 1.5 10 Steareth-21 1.0 11 Sodiumcitrate 0.06 12 Citric acid 0.02 13 Hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.3 14Tetrasodium EDTA 0.05 15 Preservative qs 16 Parfum qsMethodStage 1

EDTA, citric acid, sodium citrate and glycerin are dispersed in thewater using stirring. The hydroxyethyl cellulose is then added andhydrated using homogenisation for 5 minutes. This phase was then heatedto 70° C.

Stage 2

The oils and waxes (ie components 3 to 10) are mixed in a separatevessel and heated to 70° C. until melted.

Stage 3

The oil phase is added to the aqueous phase and an emulsion is formedusing high shear homogenisation for 10 minutes.

Stage 4

The emulsion is cooled to below 35° C. using stirring. The preservativeand perfume are then added and the product is made to weight withpurified water. The emulsion is stirred until cool and uniform.

EXAMPLE 8 Water-in-Oil Emulsion

Ingredient % w/w 1 Aqua to 100 2 1,3-Butylene glycol 5.0 3 Sodiumchloride 1.0 4 One or combination of the salicylates in Table 2 18 5Sorbitan isostearate 0.5 6 Stearic acid 0.05 7 Butylated hydroxytoluene0.02 8 Preservative qs 9 Octyl methoxcinnimate 2.5 10 Butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5MethodStage 1

Sodium chloride, butylene glycol are added to the water using stirring.This phase is heated to 70° C. while maintaining stirring.

Stage 2

The oil phase (ie components 4, 5 and 6), including the sunscreen ismixed and heated to 70° C. until melted and uniform.

Stage 3

Using high speed stirring, the aqueous phase is slowly added to the oilphase and stirred until emulsified and uniform. The emulsion is thentransferred to a homogeniser and high shear was applied for 5 minutes.

Stage 4

The emulsion is cooled to below 35° C. with stirring and thepreservative is added. Stirring continued until cool and uniform.

The following Examples cover the use of salicylates in shampoo,conditioner, and bathing and body type formulations.

EXAMPLE 9 Body Lotion

Ingredient % w/w 1 Aqua to 100 2 Carbomer 940 0.3 3 Sodium hydroxide0.028 4 Glycerine 5 5 Glyceryl monostearate and polyoxyethylene 4 6Stearate fatty acid ester 2 7 Paraffinum liquidum 5 8 Cholesterol 5 9Oleyl alcohol 2 10 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.05 11 Preservative qs 12 Octylmethoxycinnamate 2.5 13 Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5 14 One orcombination of the Salicylates in Table 2 10MethodStage 1

EDTA is dispersed in the water using stirring. The Carbomer is thenadded and hydrated using homogenisation for 30 minutes. Glycerin is thenadded and stirred until uniform using stirring. This phase is thenheated to 70° C.

Stage 2

The oil phase is mixed in a separate vessel and heated to 70° C. untilmelted and uniform.

Stage 3

The oil phase is added to the aqueous phase and an emulsion is formedusing high shear homogenisation for 10 minutes. Sodium hydroxide is thenadded and the shear is maintained for a further 5 minutes.

Stage 4

The emulsion is cooled to below 35° C. using stirring. The preservativeis then added and the product is made to weight with purified water. Theemulsion is stirred until cool and uniform.

EXAMPLE 10 Shampoo and Conditioner

Ingredient % w/w 1 Aqua to 100 2 Sodium lauryl sulfate 8 3Cocamidopropyl betaine 2 4 Ethylene glycol monostearate 3 5 Dimethicone3.5 6 Hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride 0.4 7 Citricacid 0.02 8 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.05 9 Preservative qs 10 Parfum qs 11Octyl methoxycinnamate 1.8 12 Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 0.2 13 Oneor combination of the salicylates in Table 2 2.0MethodStage 1

The following materials are added to the water in order with stirring:hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, citric acid,tetrasodium EDTA, sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine,ethylene glycol monostearate, salicylates and octyl methoxycinnamate.

Stage 2

Maintaining stirring, the bulk is heated to 75° C. Once uniform,dimethicone is added and dispersed. The bulk is then cooled withconstant stirring to below 35° C.

Stage 3

The preservative and perfume are added and the product is made to weightwith purified water. The product is stirred until cool and uniform.

EXAMPLE 11 Shampoo

Ingredient % w/w 1 Aqua to 100 2 Sodium lauryl sulphate 7.8 3 Sodiumchloride 0.8 4 Cocamidopropyl betaine 0.75 5 Glycol distearate 0.8 6Laureth-3 2 7 Preservative qs 8 Parfum qs 9 Octyl methoxycinnamate 1.810 Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 0.2 11 One or combination of thesalicylates in Table 2 2MethodStage 1

The following materials are added to the water in order with stirring:sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium chloride, laureth-3, cocamidopropylbetaine, octyl methoxycinnamate and salicylates.

Stage 2

Maintaining stirring, the bulk is heated to 65° C. Glycol distearate isthen added and dispersed. Once uniform, the bulk was cooled withconstant stirring to below 35° C.

Stage 3

The preservative and perfume are added and the product is made to weightwith purified water. The product is stirred until cool and uniform andthe pearl had set up.

EXAMPLE 12 Hair Conditioner

Ingredient % w/w 1 Aqua to 100 2 Cetyl alcohol 4 3 Cocamide MEA 2 4Stearamidopropyl dimethylamine 1 5 Centrimonium chloride 0.5 6 Citricacid 0.02 7 Lactic acid 0.4 8 hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.5 9 TetrasodiumEDTA 0.05 10 Preservative qs 11 Parfum qs 12 Octyl methoxycinnamate 1.813 Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 0.2 14 One or combination of thesalicylates in Table 2 3MethodStage 1

EDTA, citric acid and lactic acid were added to the water and dispersedwith stirring. The hydroxyethyl cellulose was added and hydrated using ahomogeniser for 5 minutes.

The other materials were added to the water in the order shown above(excluding the parfum and preservative, including salicylates and octylmethoxycinnimate) with stirring. With constant stirring, the bulk washeated to 70° C. until all materials were dispersed, melted and uniform.

Stage 2

The product was cooled to below 35° C. using stirring. The preservativeand perfume were then added and the product was made to weight withpurified water. The product was then stirred until cool and uniform.

EXAMPLE 13 Oil in Water Emulsion

Ingredient % w/w 1 One or combination of the salicylates in Table 2 10 2Octyl Salicylate 2.5 3 Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 4.0 4 Octocrylene3.0 5 Octyl butamido triazone 0.5 6 C12-C15 alkyl benzoate 8.0 7Dimethicone 2.0 8 Microcrystalline Wax 2.0 9 Trimethylpentanediol/adipicacid/glycerin crosspolymer 10 10 DL-A-Tocopheryl Acetate 1.0 11PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer 1.75 12 Butylated Hydroxytoluene BP 0.05 13Glyceryl-3 Glucose Distearate 2.0 14 Acrylates/Vinyl Ester Copolymer 0.115 Sequestrene NA4 0.02 16 1,3-Butylene Glycol 5 17 Sorbithom TEP 0.5 18Caustic Potash Soln 45% w/w 0.06 19 Preservative qs 20 Water qs Method AIngredients 1 to 14 are mixed and heated to 75° C. B Ingredients 15-20are mixed and heated to 75° C. C Part A is added to part B with stirringD Homogenise for 15 minutes to give sunscreen compositions of SPF 30

EXAMPLE 14 Oil in Water Emulsion

Ingredient % w/w 1 One or combination of the Salicylates in Table 2 10 2Octyl Salicylate 2.5 3 Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 4.0 4 Octocrylene3.0 5 Octyl butamido triazone 0.5 6 C12-C15 alkyl benzoate 8.0 7Dimethicone 2.0 8 Microcrystalline Wax 2.0 9 Titanium Dioxide 0.3 10DL-A-Tocopheryl Acetate 1.0 11 PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer 1.75 12Butylated Hydroxytoluene BP 0.05 13 Glyceryl-3 Glucose Distearate 2.0 14Acrylates/Vinyl Ester Copolymer 0.1 15 Sequestrene NA 0.02 161,3-Butylene Glycol 5 17PVP/dimethiconoylacrylate/polycarbomyl/polyglycol ester 2.0 18 CausticPotash Soln 45% w/w 0.06 19 Preservative qs 20 Water qs Method AIngredients 1 to 14 are mixed and heated to 75° C. B Ingredients 15-20are mixed and heated to 75° C. C Part A is added to part B with stirringD Homogenise for 15 minutes to give sunscreen compositions of SPF 30

EXAMPLE 15 Sun Oil

Ingredient % 1 Sunflower oil 30.58 2 A salicylate ester from Table 24.00 3 Cyclotetrasiloxane 22.92 4 Octyl stearate 20.37 5 Paraffin 10.186 Cyclopentasiloxane 7.64 7 Octyl dimethyl PABA 2.24 8 Apricot kerneloil 0.51 9 Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 0.51 10 Coconut oil 0.51 11Perfume 0.3034 12 Tocopheryl acetate 0.20 13 BHA 0.04Method

Heat all the ingredients apart from perfume to 65° C. and mix to ensurehomogenity. Force cool the oil dispersion to room temperature and addthe perfume

Examples 16 to 18 are further formulations of the invention,illustrating the cosmetic use of stabilised debenzoylmethanes to protectthe skin and hair from UV damage.

EXAMPLE 16 Eye Cream

Ingredient % Aqua to 100 Butylene glycol 6 Paraffinum liquidum 5 Octylmethoxycinnamate 4 Dimethicone 2 Petrolutum 2 Cetearyl octanoate 1.8Cetearyl alcohol 1.6 Glyceryl stearate 1.5 Cetyl alcohol 1 Prunus dulcis1 Glycerin 0.57 Hydrogenated vegetable glycerides citrate 0.5 Tocopherylacetate 0.5 Bisabolol 0.475 Panthenol 0.45 Sodium phosphate 0.42 PEG-20stearate 0.4 Isopropyl myristate 0.2 Carbomer 0.15 PEG-12 isostearate0.125 Allantoin 0.1 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.1 Lactic acid 0.088 Disodiumphophate 0.083 Potassium hydroxide 0.051 One or combination of thesalicylates in Table 2 10.0 Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 2.9 Octylmethoxycinnamate 1.9 Preservative q.sMethodStage 1

Into the water, citric acid, EDTA, sodium phosphate, disodium phosphateand lactic acid are added and dispersed. Using a homogeniser, carbomeris added and hydrated. The aqueous phase is then heated to 70° C.

Stage 2

The paraffinum liquidum, octyl methoxycinnamate, dimethicone,petrolatum, cetearyl octanoate, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate,cetyl alcohol, hydrogenated vegetable glycerides citrate, tocopherylacetate, PEG-20 stearate, isopropyl myristate, salicylate, dibenzoylmethane and PEG-12 isostearate are mixed and heated to 70° C. to meltthe waxes.

Stage 3

Using a homogeniser, stage 2 is added to stage 1 and this is mixed untilemulsified and uniform. The emulsion is then cooled to below 35° C.using stirring. The remaining materials are then added and mixed. Theproduct is then made to weight using purified water and is stirred untiluniform.

EXAMPLE 17 Foundation

Ingredient % Aqua to 100 Butylene glycol 9.8 Cetearyl isononanoate 4.9Dimethicone 3.2 Glycerin 1.96 Silica 1.9 Caprylic/capric triglyceride1.67 Paraffinum liquidum 1.67 Petrolatum 1.67 Hydrogenatedcoco-glycerides 1.67 Cetearyl octanoate 1.5 Cetearyl alcohol 1.35 Octylmethoxycinnamate 1.28 Talc 1 Glyceryl stearate 0.95 PEG-100 stearate 0.9Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 0.6 Saccharide isomerate 0.54 Lactic acid0.45 Sodium polyacrylate 0.45 Boron nitride 0.42 Sodium PCA 0.4 Boragoofficinalis 0.4 Tocopheryl acetate 0.4 PVP/hexadecene copolymer 0.4PEG-20 stearate 0.33 Glycolic acid 0.2 Sodium stearoyl lactylate 0.2Isopropyl myristate 0.17 Polyaminopropyl biguanide 0.16 Tetrasodium EDTA0.1 Xanthan gum 0.1 Citric acid 0.06 Alcohol denat. 0.04 Lecithin 0.037Preservative q.s One or combination of the salicylates in Table 2 10.0Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 2.9 Octyl methoxycinnamate 1.9MethodStage 1

Into the water, citric acid, EDTA and lactic acid are added anddispersed. Xanthan gum is pre-dispersed in butylene glycol and is addedto the bulk. The aqueous phase is then heated to 70° C.

Stage 2

The cetearyl isononanoate, dimethicone, silica, PVP/hexadecenecopolymer, capryliclcapric triglyceride, paraffinum liquidum,petrolatum, hydrogenated coco-glycerides, cetearyl octanoate, cetearylalcohol, octyl methoxycinnamate, talc, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100stearate, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, borago officinalis, tocopherylacetate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, isopropyl myristate, salicylate,dibenzoyl methane and lecithin oil phase are mixed and heated to 70° C.to melt the waxes.

Stage 3

Using a homogeniser, stage 2 is added to stage 1 and this is mixed untilemulsified and uniform. The emulsion is then cooled to below 35° C.using stirring. The remaining materials, are then added and mixed. Theproduct is then made to weight using purified water and is stirred untiluniform.

EXAMPLE 18 Lipstick

Ingredient % Ricinus communis 15 Octyldodecanol 10 Pentaerythrityltetracaprylate/caprate 10 Mica 10 Bis-diglycerylcaprylate/caprate/isostearate/ 7.5 Stearate/hydroxystearate adipateParaffin 5 Cera microcristallina 5 Propylene glycol 2 Hydrogenatedcastor oil 2 Candelilla cera 1 Carnauba 1 Synthetic wax 1 Butyrospermumparkii 1 Titanium dioxide 0.5 Tocopheryl acetate 0.2 Polyquaternium-370.2 Red colour q.s One or combination of the salicylates in Table 2 10.0Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 2.9 Octyl methoxycinnamate 1.9Method

The materials are mixed in a vessel and heated to 85° C. until meltedand uniform. The product is cooled to below 70° C. The product pouredinto a suitable container and allowed to cool to room temperature toset.

Examples 19 to 22 are further examples of compositions according to theinvention, illustrating toiletry products designed to protect the hairand skin from UV damage.

EXAMPLE 19 UV Protective Body Wash

Ingredient % Aqua to 100 Sodium lauryl sulfate 20 Cocamidopropyl betaine1.5 Sodium chloride 0.2 PEG-6 Cocamide 1 Dipropylene glycol 0.25 PEG-18glyceryl oleate/cocoate 0.5 PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil 0.5Polyquaternium-7 0.04 PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate 0.5 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.02Preservative q.s. Parfum q.s. One or a combination of the salicylates inTable 2 5 Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 2 Octyl methoxycinnamate 1MethodStage 1

The following materials were added to the water in order with stirring:(in sample 1, polyquaternium-7 was added first) Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodiumlauryl sulfate, sodium chloride, PEG-6, dipropylene glycol, PEG-18,PEG-40, PEG-7, cocamidopropyl betaine

Stage 2

Maintaining stirring, the bulk was heated to 65° C. Once uniform, thebulk was cooled with constant stirring to below 35° C.

Stage 3

The preservative, solvent, sunscreens and perfume were added and theproduct was made to weight with purified water. The product was stirreduntil cool and uniform.

EXAMPLE 20 UV Protective Conditioning Shampoo

Ingredient % Aqua to 100 Alpha olefin sulfonate 25 Cocamide DEA 2Lauramide DEA 1 Oleamide MIPA 1.5 Cocamidopropyl betaine 2 Oleth-3phosphate 0.1 Lauric acid 0.25 Sodium chloride 0.25 Preservative q.sParfum q.s One or a combination of the salicylates in Table 2 5Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 2 Octyl methoxycinnamate 1MethodStage 1

The following materials were added to the water in order with stirring:Alpha olefin sulfonate, cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA, oleamide MIPA,cocamidopropyl betaine, lauric acid, oleth-3 phosphate.

Stage 2

Maintaining stirring, the bulk was heated to 65° C. Once uniform, thebulk was cooled with constant stirring to below 35° C.

Stage 3

The preservative, solvent, sunscreen and perfume were added and theproduct was made to weight with purified water. The product was stirreduntil cool and uniform.

EXAMPLE 21 UV Protective Hair Conditioner

Ingredient % Aqua to 100 Cetyl alcohol 4 Cocamide MEA 2 Stearamidopropyldimethylamine 1 Centrimonium chloride 0.5 Citric acid 0.02 Lactic acid0.4 Hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.5 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.05 Preservative q.sParfum q.s One or a combination of the salicylates in Table 2 5Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 2 Octyl methoxycinnamate 1MethodStage 1

EDTA, citric acid and lactic acid were added to the water and dispersedwith stirring. In sample 1, the hydroxyethyl cellulose was added andhydrated using a homogeniser for 5 minutes.

The other materials were added to the water in the order shown abovedown to parfum with stirring. With constant stirring, the bulk washeated to 70° C. until all materials were dispersed, melted and uniform.

Stage 2

The product was cooled to below 35° C. using stirring. The preservative,solvent, sunscreens and perfume were then added and the product was madeto weight with purified water. The product was then stirred until cooland uniform.

EXAMPLE 22 Hair Gel

Ingredient % Aqua to 100 Carbomer 940 0.35 Glycerin 0.5 Tetrasodium EDTA0.05 Potassium Hydroxide 0.06 Preservative q.s One or a combination ofthe salicylates in Table 2 5 Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 2 Octylmethoxycinnamate 1MethodStage 1

EDTA was dispersed in the water using stirring, the Carbomer was thenadded and hydrated using homogenisation for 30 minutes.

Glycerin was then added and mixed until uniform using stirring.

Stage 2

Sample 2 was cooled to below 35° C. using stirring. The preservative,solvent and sunscreens were then added and made to weight with purifiedwater. The gel was stirred until cool and uniform.

Examples 23 to 26 are further examples of formulations according to theinvention, illustrating the use of stabilised dibenzoylmethanes toprotect the formula itself from UV degradation.

EXAMPLE 23 UV Protective Body Wash

Ingredient % Aqua to 100 Sodium lauryl sulfate 20 Cocamidopropyl betaine1.5 Sodium chloride 0.2 PEG-6 Cocamide 1 Dipropylene glycol 0.25 PEG-18glyceryl oleate/cocoate 0.5 PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil 0.5Polyquaternium-7 0.04 PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate 0.5 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.02Preservative q.s Parfum q.s One or a combination of the salicylates inTable 2 5 Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 2 Octyl methoxycinnamate 1MethodStage 1

The following materials were added to the water in order with stirring:(in sample 1, polyquaternium-7 was added first) Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodiumlauryl sulfate, sodium chloride, PEG-6, dipropylene glycol, PEG-18,PEG-40, PEG-7, cocamidopropyl betaine

Stage 2

Maintaining stirring, the bulk was heated to 65° C. Once uniform, thebulk was cooled with constant stirring to below 35° C.

Stage 3

The preservative, solvent, sunscreens and perfume were added and theproduct was made to weight with purified water. The product was stirreduntil cool and uniform.

EXAMPLE 24 UV Protective Conditioning Shampoo

Ingredient % Aqua to 100 Alpha olefin sulfonate 25 Cocamide DEA 2Lauramide DEA 1 Oleamide MIPA 1.5 Cocamidopropyl betaine 2 Oleth-3phosphate 0.1 Lauric acid 0.25 Sodium chloride 0.25 Preservative q.sParfum q.s One or a combination of the salicylates in Table 2 5Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 2 Octyl methoxycinnamate 1MethodStage 1

The following materials were added to the water in order with stirring:Alpha olefin sulfonate, cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA, oleamide MIPA,cocamidopropyl betaine, lauric acid, oleth-3 phosphate.

Stage 2

Maintaining stirring, the bulk was heated to 65° C. Once uniform, thebulk was cooled with constant stirring to below 35° C.

Stage 3

The preservative, solvent, sunscreens and perfume were added and theproduct was made to weight with purified water. The product was stirreduntil cool and uniform.

EXAMPLE 25 UV Protective Hair Conditioner

Ingredient % Aqua to 100 Cetyl alcohol 4 Cocamide MEA 2 Stearamidopropyldimethylamine 1 Centrimonium chloride 0.5 Citric acid 0.02 Lactic acid0.4 Hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.5 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.05 Preservative q.sParfum q.s One or a combination of the salicylates in Table 2 5Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 2 Octyl methoxycinnamate 1MethodStage 1

EDTA, citric acid and lactic acid were added to the water and dispersedwith stirring. In sample 1, the hydroxyethyl cellulose was added andhydrated using a homogeniser for 5 minutes.

The other materials were added to the water in the order shown abovedown to perfum with stirring. With constant stirring, the bulk washeated to 70° C. until all materials were dispersed, melted and uniform.

Stage 2

The product was cooled to below 35° C. using stirring. The preservativesolvent, sunscreens and perfume were then added and the product was madeto weight with purified water. The product was then stirred until cooland uniform.

EXAMPLE 26 Hair Gel

Ingredient % Aqua to 100 Carbomer 940 0.35 Glycerin 0.5 Tetrasodium EDTA0.05 Potassium Hydroxide 0.06 Preservative q.s One or a combination ofthe salicylates in Table 2 5 Butylmethoxy dibenzoyl methane 2 Octylmethoxycinnamate 1MethodStage 1

EDTA was dispersed in the water using stirring., the Carbomer was thenadded and hydrated using homogenisation for 30 minutes.

Glycerin was then added and mixed until uniform using stirring.

Stage 2

Sample 2 was cooled to below 35° C. using stirring. The preservative,solvent, sunscreens was then added and made to weight with purifiedwater. The gel was stirred until cool and uniform.

1. A personal care composition containing a dibenzoylmethanesunscreening agent exhibiting reduced degradation properties comprising:a) at least one dibenzoylmethane sunscreening agent; and b) a salicylateester selected from the group consisting of isodecyl salicylate andisotridecyl salicylate in an amount sufficient to stabilize the at leastone dibenzoylmethane sunscreening agent.
 2. A composition as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the dibenzoylmethane sunscreening agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4′-methoxydibenzoylmethane and 4-isopropyldibenzoylmethane.
 3. A composition as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the dibenzoylmethane sunscreening agent is4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4′-methoxydibenzoyl methane.
 4. A composition asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising, in addition to thedibenzoylmethane sunscreening agent(s), at least one additionalsunscreening agent.
 5. A composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein theat least one additional sunscreening agent includes an inorganicsunscreening agent.
 6. A composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein theinorganic sunscreening agent is selected from the group consisting ofmicrofine titanium dioxide, microfine zinc oxide and boron nitride.
 7. Acomposition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one additionalsunscreening agent includes an organic sunscreening agent.
 8. Acomposition as claimed in claim 7, wherein the organic sunscreeningagent is selected from the group consisting of: a) p-aminobenzoic acidor ester sunscreening agents; b) methoxycinnamate esters; c)benzophenones; d) 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid and disodiumphenyl dibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate and terphthalylidene dicamphorsulfonic acid; e) alkyl-β,β-diphenylacrylates; f) triazines; g) camphorsunscreening agents; h) organic pigment sunscreening agents; i) siliconesunscreening agents; and k) salicylates.
 9. A composition as claimed inclaim 4, wherein the at least one additional sunscreening agent ispresent in an amount of 0.1 to 10% by weight of the composition.
 10. Acomposition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition contains atotal of 0.05 to 20% by weight of sunscreening agent(s).
 11. Acomposition as claimed in claim 1, which is intended to be applied tothe skin or hair to protect the skin or hair from the deleteriouseffects of exposure to UV radiation, and in which the total amount ofsunscreening agent(s) that are present is in the range 0.5 to 10% byweight.
 12. A composition as claimed in claim 1, in which thesunscreening agent(s) are present to protect the composition from thedeleterious effects of exposure to UV radiation, and the total amount ofsunscreening agent(s) present is less than 1% by weight of the totalcomposition.
 13. A composition as claimed in claim 1, which contains atotal of 0.05 to 10% of dibenzoylmethane by weight of the totalcomposition.
 14. A composition as claimed in claim 1, which is intendedto be applied to the skin or hair to protect the skin or hair from thedeleterious effects of exposure to UV radiation, and in which the amountof dibenzoylmethane present is in the range 0.5 to 10%.
 15. Acomposition as claimed in claim 1, in which the dibenzoylmethane ispresent to protect the composition from the deleterious effects ofexposure to UV radiation, and the amount of dibenzoylmethane that ispresent is less than 1% by weight of the total composition.
 16. Acomposition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition contains 0.1to 30% by weight of the salicylate ester of formula I.
 17. A compositionas claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition contains 1 to 25% byweight of the salicylate ester of formula I.
 18. A composition asclaimed in claim 17, wherein the composition contains 4 to 20% by weightof the salicylate ester of formula I.
 19. A composition as claimed inclaim 1, which is an aqueous or oily solution or dispersion or emulsion.20. A composition as claimed in claim 19, which is an oil-in-wateremulsion.
 21. A composition as claimed in claim 19, which is awater-in-oil emulsion.
 22. A composition as claimed in claim 20, whichcomprises one or more of the following a) a hydrocarbon oil; b) a wax;c) a natural oil; d) a silicone oil; e) a fatty acid ester; f) a fattyalcohol; and g) mixtures thereof.
 23. A composition as claimed in claim20, wherein the oil phase of the emulsion comprises from 5 to 30% byweight of the composition.
 24. A composition as claimed in claim 21,wherein the oil phase comprises 5 to 40% by weight of the composition.25. A composition as claimed in claim 20, which further comprises one ormore emulsifiers selected from the group consisting of: a)sesquioleates; b) ethoxylated esters of natural oils; c) siliconeemulsifiers; d) anionic emulsifiers; e) ethoxylated fatty alcohols; f)sorbitan esters; g) ethoxylated sorbitan esters; h) ethoxylated fattyacid esters; i) ethoxylated mono-, di-, and tri-glycerides; j) non-ionicself-emulsifying waxes; k) ethoxylated fatty acids; and l) methylglucoseesters.
 26. A composition as claimed in claim 25, wherein the amount ofemulsifier present in the composition is in the range 1 to 10%.
 27. Amethod of protecting the skin or hair from exposure to UV radiation,which method comprises administering to the skin or hair of an animal orhuman in need thereof a personal care composition containing adibenzoylmethane sunscreening agent exhibiting reduced degradationproperties comprising: I. at least one dibenzoylmethane sunscreeningagent; and II. a salicylate ester selected from the group consisting ofisodecyl salicylate and isotridecyl salicylate in an amount sufficientto stabilize the at least one dibenzoylmethane sunscreening agent.
 28. Amethod of reducing degradation of a dibenzoylmethane sunscreening agentin a personal care composition containing at least one dibenzoylmethanesunscreening agent, the method comprising adding to the personal carecomposition a photostabilizing amount of a salicylate ester selectedfrom the group consisting of isodecyl salicylate and isotridecylsalicylate.